Thai Student Team Loses to China on Penalties, Faces France
Thailand's student football team drew 1-1 with China in the 5th-8th classification round of the 2026 World Student Football Championship in Suzhou, but lost 6-5 on penalties. The Thai side, reduced to 10 men in the second half, will now face France in the 7th-place playoff on October 25.
The 2026 World Student Football Championship in Suzhou, People's Republic of China, held its 5th-8th place classification round on October 24, 2026. Thai students competed against hosts China (Team 1) with 11 players: Patcharapol Kamsuk (goalkeeper), Prantchonak Wangkiri, Chayamara Prathumsut (C), Anthony Tangpao, Danudech Kanopas, Theerapat Thisungnoen, Anucha Lueatam, Promnat Phabua, Nithikon Kathong, Sitthsak Phadadit, and Thanaphop Silaram.
The first half was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances but lacking finishing until the 27th minute when China earned a corner and took a 1-0 lead through a header by Yu Jin Tan. After conceding, Thailand pressed harder and increased pressure on China. In the 32nd minute, a Thai forward forced a Chinese defender into an error, allowing Danudech Kanopas to score and equalize. The first half ended 1-1.
The second half remained intense. In the 65th minute, Thailand were reduced to 10 men when Nithikon Kathong received a second yellow card and was sent off. China pushed forward but could not break through Thailand's defense. The match finished 1-1, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, China (Team 1) converted more accurately, defeating the Thai student team 6-5 and advancing to the 5th-6th place match. The Thai student team will now contest the 7th-8th place match.
The next match is the 7th-place playoff where the Thai student team will face France on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 08:30 Thailand time.
